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Requests for Religious Observances

Below is a list of religious observances that was compiled by the Office of Diversity and Equity. It is a not an exhaustive list and we appreciate your feedback. We are committed to equity and inclusion in our policies, practices, and protocols for respecting religious observances of all members in the Jayhawk community.

For Students: While this process is not yet formal KU policy*, we highly recommend that you make use of this resource and submit the religious observance form within the first 20 days of the first day of the semester to inform your instructor of the day(s) you intend to be absent due to a religious observance. This will give you and your professor enough time to prepare accordingly. The student is responsible for contacting their instructor to discuss and "reach a mutually acceptable solution." (policy 2.1.4)

For Staff and Faculty: Please refer to the list below for more information on religious observances and to learn of the recommended exemptions for students.

*This process is not mandated or required under formal university policy. However, the University Senate Rules & Regulations (USRR) policy 1.4.3 prohibits testing and examinations from being held on mandated religious observances, and policy 2.1.4 states that"a student shall not be penalized for absence from regularly scheduled class activities which conflict with mandated religious observances." There is a plan in progress to propose this submission process as official KU policy in the coming year.

Fill out the webform, and include the name and dates of the observance for which you are requesting a class exemption.

An email will be sent to notify your instructor. From there, your instructor can either approve, deny, or requestmore information from you regarding your religious observance.

If you have any questions about this resource or the process for requesting a class exemption for a religious observance, please contact the Office of Diversity and Equity at diversity@ku.edu so that we may refer you to the appropriate resource.

If you have questions about American Indian Nations observances and/or ceremonies, please contact the Haskell Community Liaison, Becky Welton (walnut@ku.edu).

Lammas/Lughnasadh

A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

Date Details: Celebrated every August 1st.

General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

August 01, 2018

August 01, 2019

August 01, 2020

Raksha Bandhan

The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times.

Date Details: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in Shravana month during full moon day or Purnima day.

General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Hindu

August 26, 2018

August 15, 2019

August 03, 2020

Krishna Janmashtami

This two-day festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher.

Date Details: The first day is called Krishan Ashtami or Gokul Ashtami. The second day is known as Kaal Ashtami or more popularly Janam Ashtami.

General Practices: During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep in order to sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Many Hindus also fast during the first day of the festival. Dances, songs, and plays depicting the life of Krishna are common.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep.

Hindu

August 15, 2017

September 03, 2018

August 23, 2019 to August 24, 2019

August 12, 2020

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is a major festival that celebrates the willingness to make sacrifices in the name of one’s faith. According to Islamic tradition, the prophet Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his son in God’s name. When Ibrahim was prepared to kill his son, God stepped in and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. This holiday celebrates Ibrahim’s total faith in God, and Muslims view this holiday as an important annual reminder.

Date Details: Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. Begins at sundown on September 12th and ends in the evening of September 13th.

General Practices: Prayers, gift giving, prayers, and sometimes killing of sheep, with a portion of the meat gifted to the poor.

Islamic

September 01, 2017

September 22, 2018

August 12, 2020

Mabon/Alban Elfed/Autumnal Equinox

Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

Date Details: Falls on the day of the Fall Equinox.

General Practices: At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

September 22, 2017

September 23, 2019

September 23, 2020

Navaratri/Durga Puja

Navaratri is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this nine day fast festival, Hindus worship the Goddess Durga.

Date Details: Begins October 1st and ends October 11th. The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother Durga. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar.

General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are often feasts and dances.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Note that members of the KU community may be hungry due to fasting.

Hindu

September 21, 2018

October 09, 2018

September 29, 2019

Rosh Hashanah

Start of the Jewish New Year, day of judgment and remembrance; the Jewish calendar celebrates the New Year in the seventh month (Tishrei) as a day of rest and celebration ten days before Yom Kippur

Date Details: Begins at sundown on October 2nd and ends at nightfall on October 4th.

Jewish

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement and abstinence.

Date Details: Begins at sundown on October 11th and ends at nightfall on October 12th.

General Practices: Fasting from before sundown until after sunset, and lighting of the Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the night of Yom Kippur.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting.

Jewish

September 30, 2017

September 19, 2018

October 09, 2019

Sukkot

A week-long celebration which begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals; Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land.

Date Details: Begins in the evening of Sunday, October 16 and ends in the evening of Sunday, October 23. Work holiday varies by denomination.

General Practices: Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

Jewish

October 05, 2017 to October 11, 2017

September 24, 2018 to September 30, 2018

October 14, 2019 to October 20, 2019

Shemini Atzeret

Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel.

Date Details: Begins in the evening of Sunday, October 23 and ends in the evening of Monday, October 24.

General Practices: Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the 8th night of Sukkot).

Jewish

October 13, 2017

October 02, 2018

October 21, 2019

Diwali/Kali Puja

Diwali—the Hindu “festival of lights”—is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout Southern Asia. Diwali extends over five days, and celebrates the victory of good over evil. The Times of India described Diwali as “a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple.” Fireworks, oil lamps, and sweets are common, making this a favorite holiday for children. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes.

Date Details: People in different regions in India may celebrate Diwali on various dates. This is because traditional lunar calendars can be interpreted in different ways.

General Practices: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date.

Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, Sikh

October 19, 2017

November 07, 2018

October 27, 2019

Samhain

One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life.

Date Details: Night of October 31st into November 1st every year.

General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

October 31, 2017

October 31, 2018

October 31, 2019

Birth of Bahá'u'lláh

This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá'u'lláh, one of the Baha’I faith’s most important figures. For Bahá'ís, the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God. Comparable to what Christmas is for Christians.

Date Details: Celebrated every November 12th.

General Practices: There are no elaborate traditions surrounding His birth.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. (Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off.)

Baha’i

November 12, 2017

November 12, 2018

November 12, 2019

Yule/Midwinter/Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice

The longest night of the year followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

Date Details: Celebrated from December 20th - January 1st every year.

General Practices: Burning the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year’s yule tree) is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

December 20, 2017

December 20, 2018

December 20, 2019

Hanukkah/Chanukah

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom. The history of the holiday involves a historic military victory in which a Jewish sect called the Maccabees defeated the Syrian Greeks. The celebration commemorates a miracle in which a sacred temple flame burned for eight days on only one day’s worth of oil.

Date Details: Hanukkah begins at sundown on the first day. Ends Jan. 1st.

General Practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days.

Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary).

Jewish

December 13, 2017 to December 20, 2017

December 03, 2018 to December 10, 2018

December 23, 2019 to December 30, 2019

Christmas

Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion.

Date Details: Begins at sundown on Dec. 24 annually and continues with all day celebration on Dec. 25.

General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, and visiting family.

Recommended Accommodations: Schools are usually closed during this time so specific accommodations may not be necessary.

Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic

December 25, 2017

December 25, 2018

December 25, 2019

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture. Historian and activist Maulana Karenga developed the holiday in the 1960s. It is not a religious holiday, per se, but is a cultural celebration.

Date Details: Kwanzaa is observed every year from December 26th–January 1st.

Shinto

Epiphany/Twelfth Night/Three Kings Day

This date is also known as Befana Day; commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to the baby Jesus.

Date Details: Celebrated every January 6th.

General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic

January 06, 2018

January 06, 2019

January 06, 2020

Christmas

Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion.

Date Details: Celebrated every January 7th. Eastern Orthodox Christmas is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.

General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by attending church services, holding celebratory meals, and visiting family.

Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday typically falls during winter break, academic accommodations may not be required. However many Eastern Orthodox employees will probably request this day off.

Eastern Orthodox Christian

January 07, 2018

January 07, 2019

January 07, 2020

Chinese New Year

This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays.

Date Details: Corresponds to the New Moon in Aquarius, which can fall from late January to mid-February.

General Practices: Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money to children in red envelopes.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Many Chinese employees will probably request this day off.

Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist

February 16, 2018

February 05, 2019

January 25, 2020

Imbolc / Candlemas

Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four "greater Sabbats."

Date Details: Celebrated every February 1st through 2nd.

General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories.

Recommended Accommodations: None

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

February 01, 2018

February 01, 2019

February 01, 2020

Setsubum-sai

Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season.

Date Details: Celebrated every February 3rd.

General Practices: Scattering of beans.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Shinto

February 03, 2018

February 03, 2019

February 03, 2020

Ash Wednesday

This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.

Date Details: The first day of Lent.

General Practices: On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day.

Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic

Purim

Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.

Date Details: Begins in the evening of Saturday, March 11 and ends in the evening of Sunday, March 12.

General Practices: Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and read the Book of Esther. Triangular, fruit-filled pastries are eaten in opposition to the villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat.

Recommended Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply).

Jewish

March 01, 2018

March 21, 2019

March 10, 2020

Magha Puja Day

Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha.

Date Details: ‎Full moon day of the 3rd lunar month.

General Practices: Buddhist gather at temple at dusk where they make merry, share flowers, incense and lit candles. They celebrate the day by lighting candles and moving in a circle three times around the temple’s main hall in honor of the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, Sangha and the Dharma.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Buddhist

March 31, 2018

March 21, 2019

March 09, 2020

Holi

Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter.

Date Details: ‎Celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar moon in late February or early March.

General Practices: Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil.

Recommended Accommodations: Flexibility when scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees/students may request a vacation day on this date.

Hindu

March 20, 2018

March 21, 2019

March 10, 2020

Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox

Also known as Eostre. Regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God's child, which will be born at the winter solstice. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

Date Details: ‎Every March 20th.

General Practices: Lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

March 30, 2018

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2020

Naw Ruz

This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life.

Date Details: ‎Every March 20th - March 21st.

General Practices: Festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, meals.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Baha’i

March 20, 2018

March 20, 2019

March 20, 2020

Palm Sunday

A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds.

Date Details: Sunday before Easter.

General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic

March 25, 2018

April 14, 2019

April 05, 2020

Pesach/Passover

Pesach is a week-long observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II (one of three pilgrimage festivals).

Date Details: Begins at sundown on April 10th and ends April 18th.

General Practices: Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread).

Jewish

March 31, 2018 to April 07, 2018

April 20, 2019 to April 27, 2019

April 09, 2020 to April 16, 2020

Vaisakhi/Poila Boishakh

Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival.

Date Details: Every April 13th or 14.

General Practices: There are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Hindu, Sikh

April 14, 2018

April 14, 2019

April 13, 2020

Maundy Thursday

Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles.

Date Details: Always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.

General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic

March 29, 2018

April 18, 2019

April 09, 2020

Good Friday

Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting.

Date Details: Always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday.

General Practices: Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.

Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic

March 30, 2018

April 19, 2019

April 10, 2020

Holy Friday/Good Friday

Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting.

Date Details: Orthodox Good Friday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.

General Practices: Prayer, fasting, confession, and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs (often red) in preparation for Easter Sunday.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date.

General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal.

Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday falls on Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required.

Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic

April 18, 2018

April 21, 2019

April 12, 2020

Pascha/Easter

Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Date Details: Easter Sunday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.

General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs and baskets of breads, meats, eggs, cheeses and other foods. It is a celebration of renewal.

Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday falls on Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required.

Eastern Orthodox Christian

April 08, 2018

April 28, 2019

April 19, 2020

Yom HaSho’ah

Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish victims and activists of the Holocaust.

Date Details: Begins at sundown on April 23rd and ends April 24th.

General Practices: Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II; activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the departed.

Recommended Accommodations: This is not a work holiday—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

Jewish

April 12, 2018

May 02, 2019

April 21, 2020

Beltane

The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

Date Details: Every May 1st.

General Practices: Jumping the balefire, dancing the Maypole.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

May 01, 2018

May 01, 2019

May 01, 2020

Buddha Day/Visakha Puja

This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

Date Details: The exact date of Buddha's Birthday is based on the Asian lunisolar calendars and is primarily celebrated in Baisakh month of the Buddhist calendar and the Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar, and hence it is also called Vesak.

General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date.

Buddhist

May 22, 2018

May 12, 2019

April 30, 2020

Ramadan

Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship.

Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. The observed date marks the beginning of a 30 day observation. Ends June 25th.

General Practices: Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qur'an, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan.

Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (halal restrictions apply).

Islamic

May 16, 2018 to June 14, 2018

May 06, 2019 to June 04, 2019

April 24, 2020 to May 23, 2020

Ascension of the Bahá'u'lláh

Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith; Bahaullah died on May 29, 1892.

Date Details: Every May 29th.

General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Baha’i

May 29, 2018

May 29, 2019

May 29, 2020

Shavuot

Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai (two of three pilgrimage festivals).

Date Details: Begins at sundown on May 30th and ends June 1st.

General Practices: Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot.

Jewish

May 20, 2018

May 20, 2019

May 20, 2020

Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice

A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

Date Details: Every June 21st.

General Practices: Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise.

Recommended Accommodations: None.

Druid, Pagan, Wiccan

June 21, 2018

June 21, 2019

June 21, 2020

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr means "break the fast", and is the last day of Ramadan, marking the end of a month of fasting.

Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. Eid al Fitr is a three day celebration and begins at sundown.

General Practices: Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast, and celebrate with friends and family.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).

Islamic

June 15, 2018

June 05, 2019

April 24, 2020

Tisha B’Av

Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem.

Date Details: Begins at sundown on first day, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. Ends August 1st.